Following the release of the Brilliant Festival expansion in Pokémon TCG Pocket, many players have noticed a significant decrease in the frequency of special cards such as EX and Full Art cards. This situation has led to the experience of opening packs becoming increasingly disappointing, generating frustration within the community. Although the rates of rare card appearances remain the same according to current regulations, the inclusion of Shiny cards has diluted the perceived value of special cards.
It seems like just an impression, but that doesn’t stop the frustration
Historically, opening a pack of ten envelopes guaranteed at least one card that stood out for its rarity, which provided a palpable excitement with each opening. However, with the arrival of Shiny cards, which are altered versions of existing Pokémon, the general perception is that rare cards appear less frequently. This phenomenon can be explained through two psychological concepts: the dilution effect and anchoring bias. The incorporation of new cards has raised players’ expectations, who now feel they receive less than they used to obtain.
Despite the fact that the exact odds of receiving EX and Full Art cards remain in the same range as before the expansion, the simple inclusion of “trendy” cards has shifted players’ attention towards the new additions, leading to a mistaken interpretation that there are fewer opportunities to obtain valuable cards. Fans tend to forget that the total volume of special cards available has changed, which directly impacts their gaming experience.
A detailed analysis of the statistics reveals that, when opening 100 packs, a player can expect between 2 and 3 EX cards, about 1 Full Art card, and approximately 6 Shiny cards. However, the growing frustration of users may imply that, although the system is not being unfair, this new approach has created a sense of disappointment that could push players to open even more packs in their quest for satisfaction.
